As the semester comes to an end, so does our on-campus spending. If you are anything like me, you almost always have money leftover on your university card at the end of the year. As much as I wish I could simply get back the money I do not use, my college, Grand Canyon University, keeps it. In light of knowing this, my roommate and I decided to come up with inventive ways of spending our last bit of change on our cards this year.
1. Give to the homeless.
This is the most practical way of spending your last dining dollars. Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of college, we are unable to perform charitable acts or volunteer. At Grand Canyon University, they sale reusable grocery totes. My roommate and I decided to fill these with water, toiletries, and some snacks. Since we both had over $500 leftover this semester, it was easy to collectively make twelve of these and hand them out around the city of Phoenix. If you choose this option, take advantage of the buddy system and remember to look both ways when crossing the street.
2. Buy someone else's meal.
This is so cool! I've never been the person to drive up to the window and discover my food has been paid for, but I imagine it feels overwhelmingly great. Next time you are at the register simply tell the cashier, "I've got the next person's meal." Not only do you sound suave, but you are making someone's day.
3. Stock-up on snacks for the drive home.
You can never go wrong with road-trip snacks.
4. Give your professors a treat.
Even if they lecture for hours, speak in a monotone voice, or give vague instructions for class assignments, your professors truly do care, and made the effort to become experts in their subject to help you become the best scholar you can be. As the daughter of a teacher and an aspiring professor, appreciation gifts are always an awesome route to take. Little things like gum, candy, or the quintessential apple, are great favors!
5. Grocery shopping for the family.
Why wait to get groceries back home? This is a practical choice if your college is near your hometown like mine. I only have a 45 minute commute, so I will definitely be taking advantage of this one!
I truly hope you take advantage of these dining-dollar options this semester. If you have over $500 dollars left like me, then you can do all 5!
